Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Sweden (Ratification: 1961)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 13 (white lead (painting)), 115 (radiation), 119 (guarding of machinery), 139 (occupational cancer), 148 (air pollution, noise and vibration), 155 (OSH), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos), 167 (safety and health in construction), 170 (chemicals), 174 (prevention of major industrial accidents), 176 (safety and health in mines), 184 (safety and health in agriculture) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations on Convention No. 155 and No. 187 of the Swedish Confederation for Professional Employees (TCO), Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO) and Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) transmitted by the Government.

General provisions

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report provided in response to its previous request concerning Article 3(2)of Convention No. 187 (promotion and advancement to a safe and healthy environment), Article 4(3)(e) (on research on OSH), Article 4(3)(f) (mechanism for the collection and analysis of data) and 4(3)(g) (provisions for collaboration with relevant insurance or social security schemes).

Application in practice of Conventions No. 155 and 187. In response to the Committee's previous request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s (SWEA) Report on Occupational accidents and work-related diseases (Arbetsmiljöstatistik Rapport 2023:01), noting that the number of notified occupational diseases reported in 2022 was approximately 16,600, a decrease of 44 per cent compared to 2021, and that occupational accidents with sick leave also decreased from 2021 to 2022 (from approximately 39,000 to 35,400). It notes that approximately 69,000 occupational accidents without sick leave were reported in 2022, a marginal decrease compared to 2021, but still an increase compared to 2020 and 2019. It also notes that 40 fatal accidents at work were reported in 2022, compared with 39 in 2021, 24 in 2020 and 36 in 2019. The Committee notes that the most common causes of reported occupational diseases in 2021 were chemical and biological factors (including COVID-19 infections), followed by organisational and social factors and ergonomic load factors. The Government also indicates that, compared to other EU countries, Sweden has proportionally one of the lowest numbers of fatal accidents since 2012. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the application in practice of the ratified OSH Conventions, including the number, sector, nature and cause of occupational accidents and diseases reported, as well as information on the inspection activities carried out, including the number of investigations and inspections conducted and the number of violations detected, corrective measures applied and the penalties imposed.

National policy

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 2(1), 3(1), 3(2) and 5(1) of Convention No. 187. Promoting the continuous improvement of OSH by developing a national policy, national system and national programme. Following its previous request, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Work Environment Strategy for Modern Working Life 2016-20 was designed to serve as a policy instrument, defining strategies and assignments to achieve specific and broader goals related to the work environment policy. The Government indicates that the Strategy was evaluated by the Agency for Public Management (APM). The Committee notes that, amongst the conclusions, the APM stated that the strategy had strengthened the implementation of the work environment policy; the social partners had been involved through dialogue forums; and that cooperation between authorities had increased. The Committee also notes that the APM concluded that there was room for improvements and that strategic efforts could be run more effectively. Amongst other things, the APM considered that the Government should: define more concrete goals for the priority areas, establishing timeframes and follow-ups for the chosen strategy; review and develop the working methods in dialogue forums; remove obstacles to effective cooperation between authorities; and improve the coordination of work environment issues between different policy areas. In addition, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with regard to the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25, adopted with the goal of providing good working conditions and creating work environments that prevent illness and accidents, stops people being excluded from working life, takes people’s differing circumstances into account and fosters the development of individuals and operations. The Government indicates that the conclusions of the APM were taken into account in producing the new strategy and as a result, it contains more clearly delimited areas and concrete priority areas. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25 as well asmeasures adopted to ensure the promotion and advancement, at all relevant levels, of the right of workers to a safe and healthy working environment.

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 3(3) and 4(3)(a) of Convention No. 187. Consultation on national policy. National tripartite advisory body, or bodies, addressing OSH issues. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA consults with social partners through different forms, such as the SWEA’s central consultation group, with is composed by ten workers’ and employers’ organisations and reunites at least four times per year. The Government also indicates that stakeholder meetings are conducted with authorities, industry organisations and actors within occupational health care. It states that partnerships are established with universities and research groups in the area of occupational safety and health, in order to discuss the possibilities for cooperation and information exchange. In addition, the Government indicates that reference groups linked to specific projects (such as on the organizational and social work environment of members of the LGBTQ community) are formed with relevant authorities and organisations, holding meetings twice a year. Lastly, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although social partners have been consulted in dialogue forums, the APM assessed that an improvement of the consultation can be achieve through more action-oriented meetings. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made to integrate the conclusions of APM into consultations held with regional social partners with a view to promoting the development of a national preventative OSH culture.

Article 5(e) of Convention No. 155. Protection of workers and their representatives from disciplinary measures. Given the absence of information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on how individual workers without OSH responsibilities are protected from disciplinary measures when they take actions properly and in conformity with national policy.

National s ystem

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. In relation to its previous request on occupational health services, the Committee refers to its comment below on the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161).

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanism for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning its focus on combating workplace violations through joint authority controls and collaboration with other agencies and labour market partners, and that specific initiatives include establishing regional centres against workplace crime and participating in international cooperation efforts. It informs that small enterprises are the target group for the SWEA efforts within the Vision Zero strategy to end with work-related deaths. The Committee further notes the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, which highlights that the knowledge of preventative work, so that deficiencies in the work environment do not arise, is low especially among small and medium-sized employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken or envisaged to progressively improve OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal economy, including with a view to ensuring that employers in SMEs are informed of necessary prevention measures.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

Application of Convention No. 161 in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, there are shortages of occupational health care with many employers. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request, that the Agency for Work Environment Expertise, the national knowledge centre for issues related to the work environment, is responsible for following and promoting the development of occupational health services. It also notes that ongoing initiatives in the field of occupational health services include the coordination of the supply of doctors for occupational health care and measures to promote relevant training initiatives in the area; and the development of further guidelines for an evidence-based practice in occupational health care. Further, the Committee notes the Government’s information that an occupational health care cooperation group was established by the SWEA, with representatives from professional associations for physicians, nurses, ergonomists, work environment engineers and psychologists in occupational health care, as well as from the industry organization Sweden's Occupational Health. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Convention in practice to develop progressively occupational health services for all workers.

Protection against specific risks

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, according to section 3 of the Work Environment Authority’s Regulation on Chemical Hazards in the Working Environment (AFS 2011:19), the Convention is given effect by Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which regulates undertakings that manufacture, import or use chemical substances or preparations and restricts the addition of certain specific lead compounds to paints intended for use by the general public. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

Articles 3(1) and 6 of the Convention. All appropriate steps to ensure the effective protection of workers, in the light of available knowledge and maximum permissible doses of ionising radiation. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the entry into force of the Radiation Protection Act (2018:396), which regulates workers’ exposure to ionising radiation in its chapter 4, and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (2018:506), which sets dose limits for practices involving ionising radiation (chapter 2). The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA’s provisions on occupational exposure limit values (AFS 2018:1) set limit values for the exposition of workers to radon in the workplace, also establishing measures for the protection of workers (chapter 4). In addition, the Committee notes that the Radiation Protection Ordinance provides for the need to periodically evaluate the reference levels set out in the regulations (chapter 3, section 13) and that other provisions concerning the protection of workers are established by the Radiation Safety Authority’s Regulations on permit-required activities with ionising radiation (SSMFS 2018:1) and on notifiable activities (SSMFS 2018:2). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionising radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) provide, in section 4, that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require job modification, which is carried out in the form of dialogue between the parties. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the provisions of the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) to workers for whom it is medically inadvisable to continue work involving occupational exposure to ionising radiation.

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that in 2020 and 2021 the most common cause of occupational accidents with absenteeism for men was accidents caused by loss of control over machinery, tools or transport equipment. The Government also indicates that a supervision project carried out from 2018-2022 had a focus (among others) on handheld machines (2018-2019) and machine safety (2020-2022), and included approximately 4,900 workplace visits. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents related to machinery and the measures taken to address them.

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) contain provisions on medical examinations for workers exposed to chemicals, including health surveillance needed when a worker has been exposed to carcinogens or mutagens. According to section 81 of the Regulations, workers who have been exposed to carcinogens or mutagenic substances may be subject to health examinations by a physician or the body responsible for the health examination such workers as long as deemed necessary, even after the exposure has ceased. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148)

Article 11(3) and (4) of the Convention. Efforts to provide the worker with suitable alternative employment or to maintain his income. Rights under social security or social insurance. The Committee notes that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) have repealed the Regulation on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (AFS 1994:1), and that its section 4 stipulates that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require a job modification, with the aim of enabling an employee with impaired ability to perform normal work to continue working or to return to work, in order to help the employee return to work after sick leave or to avoid illness and sick leave. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the rights of transferred workers under social security and social insurance legislation are not adversely affected, in accordance with Article 11(4) of the Convention.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 21(1) of the Convention. Medical examinations to diagnose occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that section 39 of the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) provides that employers shall arrange medical check-ups with assessment for certificates of fitness for service for those employees who will be exposed to asbestos and for those exposed to asbestos-containing dust for more than 50 hours per calendar year. However, the Committee notes that there are no provisions to ensure that workers continue to receive appropriate medical examinations after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos. Taking note of section 81 of the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3), the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken in practice to supervise the health of workers after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos, in accordance with Article 21(1) of the Convention.

Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the application of the national legislation giving effect to this Convention in practice, including any statistics on violations reported, penalties imposed and occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases (including cases of chronic occupational poisoning) reported as being caused by exposure to chemical substances.

Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government about the adoption of the Ordinance on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (2015:236), which is the transposition of the EU Directive Seveso III (Directive 2012/18/EU) and contains provisions on the enforcement of the Act on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (1999:381). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Articles 4(2) and 18 of the Convention. Inspection to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on inspections of facilities: out of 202 upper tier facilities (handling hazardous substances above a certain level), 118 were inspected in 2022, representing 58 per cent of the total. This represents a decrease compared to previous years, with inspection rates in these facilities of 68 per cent in 2021 and 65 per cent in 2020. However, out of 192 low-tier facilities (handling hazardous substances lower in amounts lower than the high qualifying quantity), 72 were inspected in 2022, representing 38 per cent of facilities, an increase compared to previous years, with inspection rates of 27 per cent in 2021 and 32 per cent in 2020. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistics related to application of the Convention in practice, including the number of inspections undertaken, the contraventions reported and the resulting action taken.

Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government indicating that 19 per cent of the industries inspected in 2022 belonged to the construction sector, which was also amongst those most frequently subjected to penalty fees resulting from labour inspections. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures adopted to ensure the application of this Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases recorded in the construction sector, including the number of fatalities and serious injuries.

Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

Articles 13(1)(a), (b) and (e) of the Convention. Report of accidents, the right to request and obtain inspections, and the right to removal from any location which poses a serious danger. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the Work Environment Act (AML), which establishes that employees who identify an immediate and serious danger to life or health in their work environment must immediately inform either their employer or a safety representative (chapter 3, section 4). It also notes that employers must notify the SWEA in the event of death or severe personal injury that has occurred in connection with the performance of the work, as stipulated in section 2 of the Work Environment Ordinance (1977:1166). Additionally, the Committee notes that the AML also grants safety representatives the authority to request investigations to assess work conditions (chapter 6, section 6a). However, the Committee reiterates that equivalent rights are not extended to workers. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that workers have the right to: (i) report accidents, dangerous occurrences and hazards to the employer and to the competent authority; (ii) request and obtain, where there is cause for concern on safety and health grounds, inspections and investigations to be conducted by the employer and the competent authority; and (iii) remove themselves from any location at the mine when circumstances arise which appear, with reasonable justification, to pose a serious danger to their safety or health.

Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that agriculture, forestry and fishing are amongst the sectors with the most fatal accidents at work in the period 2012–2021 (with 6.6 fatal accidents at work per 100,000 employed), with a majority of the self-employed who died being active in agriculture and forestry. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures it is taking to strengthen the application of the Convention with a view to preventing accidents and injury to health in the agricultural working environment.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

General observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, and in particular to the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

Articles 3(1) and 6 of the Convention. All appropriate steps to ensure the effective protection of workers, in the light of available knowledge and maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it has commissioned the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority to review the current regulations on radiation, including dose limits, in order to implement the Council of the European Union Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, which is in line with the International Commission of Radiological Protection’s most recent recommendations. The Authority shall report to the Ministry of the Environment on the changes necessary to the national legal framework by 31 January 2016. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures it is taking to review its regulations on radiation protection, and to provide copies of any new legislation adopted in that regard.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee previously noted that the Provisions issued by the Work Environment Authority on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (1994:1) provide for the measures to be taken by employers to adapt a work situation to the individual worker’s capabilities. It notes in this regard the Government’s statement that provisions apply to all employers in the private and public sector. The Government states that it is important to start work on job adaptation and rehabilitation for employees as early as possible. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the Provisions issued by the Work Environment Authority on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (1994:1) to workers for whom it is medically inadvisable to continue work involving occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report including on the requirement, in accordance with Article 13(b) of the Convention, that the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority must be informed of any incidents involving ionizing radiation.

Article 6. Maximum permissible does of ionizing radiation. The Committee notes the Government’s response indicating that the exposure limit values for ionising radiation are defined by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (formerly the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority, SSI). The Committee also notes that the Government does not provide any information on the Government’s intention to bring the annual dose limits for radiation workers prescribed in section 5 of the SSI 1998:4 fully in line with the recommendations adopted by the International Commission on Radiological Protection in 1990, to which the Committee referred in its 1992 general observation under the Convention, in order to ensure the effective protection of workers exposed to ionizing radiation in the course of their work. The Committee again reiterates its invitation to the Government to provide information on its intention to lower the annual dose limit for radiation workers.

Article 14. Alternative employment or other measures offered for maintaining income where continued assignment to work involving exposure is medically inadvisable. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the provisions on measures by the employer to adapt the work situation to the individual worker’s capabilities for the work can be found in the Provisions of the Work Environment Authority on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (1994:1). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on how these measures are applied in practice with respect to Article 14 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Further to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

2. Article 6 of the Convention. Maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation. The Committee notes that the Government does not respond to the Committee’s previous request for information and concerns with respect to the maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation for work with ionizing radiation. It reiterates its concern that section 5 of Regulations SSI FS 1998:4 prescribes an annual dose limit of 50 mSv, while the 1990 ICRP recommendations recommend an average effective dose limit of 20 mSv per year. The Committee reiterates its invitation to the Government to bring the annual dose limits for radiation workers prescribed in section 5 of the SSI 1998:4 fully in line with the recommendations of the ICRP, in order to ensure the effective protection of workers exposed to ionizing radiation in the course of their work.

3. Article 13. Scope of emergency work. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that notification in accordance with Article 13(b) is required when "something unexpected happens" and that this is to be interpreted that notification is also needed when no doses did affect the employees but could have done so under poorer conditions.

4. Article 14. Alternative employment or other measures offered for maintaining income where continued assignment to work involving exposure is medically inadvisable. The Committee notes that the Government does not respond to the Committee’s previous request for information and concerns with regard to the provision of suitable alternative employment for workers who are, for health reasons, required to discontinue radiation work, or to enable them to maintain their income otherwise through social security measures. The Committee reiterates its previous request to the Government to provide detailed information on which measures have been taken in this respect.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the numerous attachments.

2. Article 3. Adoption of rules. The Committee notes with interest that the Government continues to adopt rules to ensure the effective protection of workers against ionizing radiation. It notes, inter alia, that the Working Environment Authority has issued regulations under section 18 of the Working Environment Ordinance (SFS 1977:1166) which include provisions to limit exposure to radon and radon daughters. It notes, in particular, the updated occupational exposure limit values and measures against air contaminants (AFS 2000:3) and the regulations with respect to rock work (AFS 2003:2) and that sections 21 to 23 of the latter regulations state that low radon and radon daughter concentrations shall be aimed for in all workplaces below the ground.

3. Article 15. Labour inspection. The Committee notes with interest the Government’s statement that during the last five years labour inspection of radioactive sources has become more intensified.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Further to its observation, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention to the following points.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation. The Committee notes the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4 on dose limits at work with ionizing radiation, which entered into force on 1 January 2000. It notes section 5 prescribing an annual dose limit of 50 mSv for persons working with ionizing radiation, and a limit on the effective dose equivalent to 100 mSv over five consecutive years. While these dose limits as such do not appear to be inconsistent with the dose limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in its 1990 Recommendations, the Committee nevertheless reminds the Government that the ICRP now recommends a limit on the effective dose of 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years (100 mSv in five years), with the further provision that the effective dose should not exceed 50 mSv in any single year (paragraph 11 of the Committee’s 1992 general observation under the Convention in which it referred to the 1990 ICRP Recommendations). In the light of these indications, the Committee invites the Government to bring fully into line the annual dose limits for radiation workers prescribed in section 5 of the SSI 1998: 4 Regulations with the 1990 Recommendations of the ICRP, in order to ensure effective protection of workers exposed to ionizing radiation in the course of their work.

2. Article 13. Scope of emergency work. The Committee takes note of the provisions contained in sections 14 to 18 of the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4 providing for dose limits in emergency exposure on the grounds of "particular reasons" (section 14). However, there is no provision containing a definition of circumstances that would constitute such "particular reasons", and in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed. Therefore, the Committee recalls the indications provided under paragraphs 16 to 27 and 35(c)(iii) of its 1992 general observation under the Convention and to paragraphs V.27 and V.30 of the International Basic Safety Standards, where it is explained that, according to the ICRP, the strict definition of circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed covers only situations of "immediate and urgent remedial work". Hence, in the light of these indications, the Committee invites the Government to insert a provision to the above Regulations, which provides for a definition of circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers to ionizing radiation may be authorized pursuant to section 14 of the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4.

3. Article 14. Provision of alternative employment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the formal problem of providing alternative employment can no longer arise, since the approach in the Swedish legislation, as far as dose limits for exposure to ionizing radiation is concerned, changed from lifetime dose limits to annual dose limits. The Committee nevertheless would draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 32 of its 1992 general observation under the Convention underlining that the offer of suitable alternative employment opportunities to the workers concerned derives from the provision of Article 3, paragraph 1, of this Convention, according to which effective protection of workers must be ensured. In addition, the Committee refers to the explanations provided under paragraphs 28 to 34 and 35(d) of its 1992 general observation under the Convention, as well as to the principles set out in paragraphs I.18 and V.27 of the International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources. In the light of these indications, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to provide suitable alternative employment to workers who are, for health reasons, to discontinue radiation work, or to enable them to maintain their income otherwise through social security measures. Finally, the Committee notes with interest section 9 of the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4 according to which a pregnant woman who has informed her employer about her pregnancy, has the right to be transferred to work that does not imply exposure to ionizing radiation during the remaining time of pregnancy.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the number of regulations issued by the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute in the application of section 19 of the Radiation Protection Act (1988: 220) and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (1988: 293).

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Maximum permissible doses of ionizing radiation for pregnant and breastfeeding women directly engaged in radiation work. With regard to the protection of pregnant women or breastfeeding women engaged in radiation work, the Committee notes with satisfaction sections 9 to 11 of the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4 on dose limits at work with ionizing radiation which are in compliance with the 1990 ICRP Recommendations and thus giving effect to Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention.

2. Article 8. Dose limits for non-radiation workers. The Committee notes with satisfaction the provision of section 12 of the Regulations SSI FS 1998: 4 applying Article 8 of the Convention.

In addition, the Committee raises other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its latest report. It notes the texts of the regulations that have been issued by the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute and published in the Code of Standards and Regulations of the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute from 1990 to 1994.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. (a) The Committee notes from the information provided in the Government's latest report that a revised regulation SSI FS ("Code of Standards and Regulations of the Swedish Protection Institute" issued by the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute) would come into force in January 1995 which applies to general work involving exposure to ionizing radiation, prescribes a limit on the effective dose equivalent to 100 mSv over five years consecutively and an additional restriction on the lifetime accumulated effective dose of 700 mSv.

(b) The Committee has also taken note of the approach that the Government has taken in respect of women engaged in radiation work. In its earlier direct request, the Committee noted paragraphs 8 and 14 of SSI FS 1989:1 which set forth that if no transfer to work where there is no ionizing radiation is made, the work must be planned in a manner to ensure that the dose equivalent to the foetus throughout the pregnancy does not exceed 5 mSv, and that it is unlikely that the dose equivalent to the foetus exceeds 0.5 mSv within any calendar month after the pregnancy has been ascertained. Referring to the Government's latest report, the Committee notes that paragraph 7 of the same regulation further provides that the working conditions for women of fertile age should ensure that the effective dose equivalent does not exceed 10 mSv for any period of two months. The Government's report indicates that, taken together, these regulations might well be considered to meet the recommendations of the ICRP in this matter. The Committee would draw the attention of the Government to paragraph 176 of the ICRP Recommendation 1990, where the ICRP noted that if a woman is, or may be, pregnant, additional controls have to be considered to protect the unborn child, considering that the conceptus is more prone than the post-natal individual to deterministic injuries caused by radiation and may be more sensitive to induction of later malignancies; and that deterministic effects in live-born child will not occur if the exposure of the mother does not exceed the dose limits now recommended for occupational exposure, regardless of the distribution of exposures in time (i.e. not to exceed 1 mSv per year and 2 mSv for the abdomen for the remainder of the pregnancy). The Committee would also mention that Directive 96/29/EURATOM, adopted in 1996, article 10, sets forth that "the conditions for the woman in the context of her employment shall [...] be such the equivalent dose to the child to be born will be as low as reasonably achievable and that it will be unlikely that this dose will exceed 1 mSv during at least the remainder of the pregnancy". In the light of these findings, the Committee requests the Government to consider an adjustment to its current regulations in this matter.

2. Article 8. The Committee notes that paragraph 16 of the SSI FS 1989:1 provides that the limit of the effective dose equivalent for the public (including non-radiation workers) is not to exceed 1 mSv per year, but may for individual years rise to 5mSv if the average throughout a lifetime is expected to be lower than 1 mSv per year. The Government indicated that in view of the small number of persons potentially affected by the regulation, the National Institute of Radiation Protection intended to await the outcome of the Basic Safety Standards of the IAEA and the EU before deciding on a revision. In view of the adoption, in 1996, of Directive 96/29/EURATOM, which sets the limits of the effective dose equivalent to members of the public at 1 mSv per year averaged over five consecutive years, with separate dose limits for the lens of the eye (15 mSv) and for the skin (50 mSv), the Committee would request the Government to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to adopt the dose limits as recommended in ICRP publication No. 60 and Directive 96/29/EURATOM.

3. Scope of emergency work. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government relating to dose limits in an emergency situation under Swedish regulation, which is five times lower than that set by the ICRP, and that the Government has not considered it important to give a further strict definition that would cover any situation of "immediate and urgent remedial work". The Committee requests the Government to indicate if current measures ensure that exceptional exposure of workers in emergency situations is strictly limited in scope and duration to what is required to meet an acute danger to life and health; preclude situations wherein workers or other volunteers may be exposed to radiation for the purpose of rescuing items of high material value during emergency situations; and to ensure the necessary investments in robotized or other techniques of intervention aimed at minimizing exceptional exposure of workers.

4. Provision of alternative employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that Swedish labour laws do not recognize the premature accumulation of the lifetime dose limit as a legal reason for dismissal and that it is unlikely that workers in such a situation would not be given alternative employment. The Committee also notes the information that the lifetime dose of 700 mSv remains and that it is most unlikely for workers within nuclear installations to be affected by this regulation. The Committee would, nevertheless, request the Government to indicate the measures or steps, if any, that workers can undertake to obtain suitable alternative employment in the unlikely event that they prematurely accumulate a lifetime dose of 700 mSv.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

I. he Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report in reply to its general observation of 1987 and the adoption of the Radiation Protection Act of 19 May 1988 (1988:220) and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (1988:293) and the Regulations of the State Radiation Institute respecting dose limits for work with ionizing radiation of 17 March 1989 (SSI FS 1989:1).

II. The Committee would refer the Government to its general observation of 1992 under this Convention which sets forth the latest recommendations made by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) concerning exposure to ionizing radiations (Publication No. 60 of 1990) and requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 2

(a) The Committee notes that Regulation 6 of SSI FS 1989:1 sets forth dose limits for persons in work involving exposure to ionizing radiations equivalent to the 1977 recommendations of the ICRP (i.e. 50 mSv per year). Paragraph 11 of the general observation of 1992 under this Convention sets forth the latest recommendations made by the ICRP in 1990 concerning dose limits for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. The ICRP now recommends a limit on the effective dose of 20 mSv per year, averaged over five years (100 mSv in five years), but not to exceed 50 mSv in any single year. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report the steps taken or envisaged to amend the dose limits for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in the light of the current knowledge as reflected in the 1990 ICRP Recommendations.

(b) The Committee would refer the Government to paragraph 13 of the general observation concerning dose limits for pregnant women. It notes with interest that Regulations 8 and 14 of 1989:1 grant pregnant women the right to be transferred to work where there is no ionizing radiation for the remainder of their pregnancy. It further notes paragraph 2 of Regulation 8 provides that the work of pregnant women who are not transferred must be planned in a manner to ensure that the dose equivalent to the foetus throughout the pregnancy does not exceed 5 mSv and that it is unlikely that the dose equivalent to the foetus exceeds 0.5 mSv within any calendar month after the pregnancy has been ascertained. In its latest recommendations, the ICRP has concluded that women who may be pregnant should be provided with a standard of protection for any unborn child broadly comparable with that provided for members of the general public (i.e. effective dose not to exceed 1 mSv per year) and that the equivalent dose limit to the surface of the woman's abdomen should not exceed 2 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy. The Government is requested to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to ensure effective protection of pregnant women who are not transferred to work not involving exposure to ionizing radiations in the light of the current knowledge as reflected in the latest ICRP recommendations.

2. Article 8. The Committee would refer the Government to paragraph 14 which indicates that the dose limits for non-radiation workers should be equivalent to those set for members of the general public (now recommended by the ICRP to be 1 mSv per year averaged over any five consecutive years and 15 mSv for the lens of the eye). The Committee notes that in Appendix 2 of SSI FS 1989:1 it is indicated that, in general (in contrast with persons employed in activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation), the effective dose limit is 1 mSv. It further notes that Regulation 16 provides that the effective dose equivalent for the public should not exceed 1 mSv per year, but that in individual years, may rise to 5 mSv if the average throughout a lifetime is expected to be lower than 1 mSv per year. Furthermore, the dose equivalent set for the lens of the eye in this Regulation corresponds to the 1977 ICRP recommendations (i.e. 50 mSv). The Goverment is requested to indicate whether the dose limits for the general public are indeed also applicable to persons working in enterprises involving exposure to ionizing radiation but not directly engaged in radiation work and to indicate the steps taken or envisaged to ensure that non-radiation workers are not exposed to ionizing radiation in excess of 1 mSv per year averaged over any five consecutive years and to dose equivalents for the lens of the eye in excess of 15 mSv.

III. The Committee would refer the Government to paragraphs 28 to 34 of its general observation concerning the provision of alternative employment. It notes that section 17 of the Radiation Protection Act provides that the performance of certain types of work involving special risks with respect to radiation protection for certain employees may be prohibited for such employees. Under section 18, paragraph 2, a person whose medical examination indicates that he or she runs a special risk of injury if exposed to ionizing radiations may not be employed in work involving such exposure without the permission of the Government or authority empowered by the Government. Furthermore, Regulation 6 of SSI FS 1989:1 sets a dose equivalent limit at 180 mSv for a thirty-year old and 700 mSv for a lifetime. The Government is requested to indicate whether any steps have been taken by means of legislation or in practice to ensure alternative employment opportunities not involving exposure to ionizing radiations for workers having accumulated an effective dose beyond which detriment considered unacceptable is to arise.

IV. The Committee would refer the Government to paragraphs 16 to 27 of its general observation concerning the limitation of occupational exposure during and after an emergency. It notes that Regulation 13 of SSI FS 1989:1 permits exposure, on a voluntary basis, to radiation in excess of twice the annual dose limits in cases of serious emergency. The radiation is, however, to be limited as much as possible, having regard to the purpose of the action. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report the measures taken with respect to the matters raised in paragraph 35(c) of its general observation, in particular as concerns the strict definition of circumstances in which exceptional exposure of workers, exceeding the normally tolerated dose limit, is to be allowed for "immediate and urgent remedial work".